The proposed bill would amend current statutes by introducing several new requirements for the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) regarding the retirement of electric generation facilities. Specifically, the ACC would be prohibited from authorizing the retirement of any electric generation facility unless a new facility with equal or greater power generation is available on the grid. Additionally, the ACC would need to consider imminent and planned closures of firm power in Arizona and other states, prioritize dispatchable generation sources, and project a minimum increase in dispatchable electricity by 5% between 2025 and 2030. The bill also mandates that electric generation facilities notify the ACC of any external regulatory actions that could lead to their involuntary retirement.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the ACC's responsibilities in response to such notifications, including opening an investigatory docket to assess the impact of involuntary retirements on energy reliability and affordability. It allows the ACC to seek legal action if federal regulations threaten the closure of a firm power plant without a replacement. Definitions for key terms such as "dispatchable," "electric generation facility," "firm power," and "reliable" are also provided to clarify the bill's intent. Overall, the bill aims to ensure that Arizona maintains a reliable and affordable electricity supply amidst changing energy demands and regulatory pressures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 40-363
House Engrossed Version: 40-363